The Best Way To Use A Convertible Car Seat For Newborns

It grows with your child since it starts from a rear-facing position which you can later change into forward-facing and can even be used as booster seat for school-age kids.

Why Choose Convertible Car Seat?

Putting the price tag aside, it has several perks than other types. I understand that the usual concerns of parents include how bulky it is or how much space it takes up in the car.

Also, there’s no smooth way of transferring a sleeping baby from the seat to a carrier or stroller. So, why bother?

The thing is, your baby will likely outgrow the infant car seat after they turn 12 months old. So, chances are, you’re going to have to purchase another one by the time they become a toddler.

With a convertible, you don’t have to. Plus, you get the additional advantage of different positions for the child whichever is more appropriate for the age.

Some tests also suggest that the shape and build of convertible car seats offer better and more effective head protection for the baby.

On the other hand, though, there are still valid reasons for parents to choose an infant car seat. First, if they are using multiple vehicles.

Because let’s face it, transferring a convertible from one car to another is a big inconvenience, and there's the possibility that you might end up installing it improperly.

Second, they might want an easier transition from car to crib. This comes handy for those who don’t like disturbing a sleeping baby.

How To Use It?

Another issue about convertible car seat is how to use it or install it properly.

Let’s assume you already picked the product that best suits your needs – if you have a small car, you might want to check out here about the top five brands you should take into consideration.

1. Make sure that you have followed the manufacturer’s instructions in installation – some of them may have special directions for you. Read it carefully, and if you have any questions, you can email them directly.

It might seem like a no-brainer, but the fact is, parents improperly install three out of four car seats according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

It is quite alarming given that it’s an essential step in keeping your child safe in the car. It doesn’t matter how advanced your car seat is but if you’re not using it the way the correct way, it defeats the purpose.

2. Install it in the centre portion of the back seat and for infants and newborns, it should face the rear part of the vehicle.

Most of today’s models already have a LATCH system which means you don’t need to secure it using a seat belt. Instead, there’s a mechanism which allows you to anchor it permanently to your car – thus, it’s more stable and secure for the little one.

3. After following the manual instructions, you can either check for correctness and stability or you can ask a professional to do it for you. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and in this particular case, you don’t want to take any risk.

4. Ensure that both the straps and harnesses snugly fit your newborn – it should neither be too tight nor too loose. Everything should lie flat so if you see any twists in the strap, straighten them out.

5. After buckling, double check how secured it is by tugging lightly. The head, neck and body supports should be in the correct position.

Some models may include these in the package while for others, you need to purchase them separately.

For newborn babies, never use the car seat without adequate support because it can do more harm than good – their head might flop forward during the drive.

And there’s a reason why support is an essential part in baby gear. You can add clean blankets or towels around the baby to make sure they stay snug.

Conclusion:

In every baby gear, there are always pros and cons. And as parents, the best way to solve any dilemma is to weigh the options and to lean on which is the best for the baby.

Keep in mind that newborns need extra protection and when you’re on the road, you need all the help that you can get.

Convertible car seats may not be portable or convenient to install or even carry around but at the end of the day, it’s the better option in terms of safety and convenience.

Perhaps another bonus is saving some serious bucks when you think of it as a long-term investment.

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